Topped Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Topped Cheesecake Squares Recipe

 

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRIES:
2 ounces dark chocolate candy bar
3 fresh strawberries
1 ounce white baking chocolate
CARAMEL TOPPING:
6 caramels
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Whipped cream
1 tablespoon sliced almonds, toasted

BERRY TOPPING:

1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
6 fresh raspberries
6 fresh blackberries
6 fresh blueberries

Directions

1-In a small bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of an 8-in. square baking dish.

2-In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the almond extract.

3-Pour over crust. Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes or until set. Cool for 5 minutes.

4-Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine sour cream with remaining sugar and vanilla. Spread over filling; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.

5-In a microwave, melt candy bar; stir until smooth. Dip strawberries in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; let stand until set. Melt white chocolate; stir until smooth. Drizzle over strawberries. Refrigerate until serving.

6-Just before serving, cut cheesecake into nine squares. Place chocolate strawberries on three cheesecake squares.

7-For caramel topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and cream. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over three cheesecake squares. Top with a dollop of whipped cream; sprinkle with almonds.

8-For berry topping, in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine jam and berries. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds, stirring once. Spoon over remaining squares. Yield: 9 servings.

Editor's Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min. + chilling MAKES: 9 servings